What's Happening?
A new international initiative, co-led by researchers from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and Japanese partners, aims to democratize the development of global climate
scenarios. The initiative proposes an open and transparent research platform that invites participation from scientists worldwide, particularly from developing regions. This effort seeks to address concerns that current climate policy analyses, such as those assessed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), are predominantly produced by institutions in Europe and North America, potentially overlooking perspectives from developing countries. The proposed platform will allow for a more inclusive and equitable approach to climate scenario development, ensuring that the scientific foundations of climate policy are globally representative.
Why It's Important?
The democratization of climate modeling is significant as it could lead to more inclusive and representative climate policies. By involving scientists from developing regions, the initiative aims to incorporate diverse perspectives and priorities, which are often underrepresented in current climate models. This could result in more comprehensive and effective climate policies that address the needs of all regions, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change. The initiative also emphasizes data transparency and reproducibility, which are crucial for building trust and credibility in climate science. By opening up the process to a wider range of participants, the initiative could enhance the quality and applicability of climate models, ultimately supporting more informed decision-making by policymakers, businesses, and civil society.
What's Next?
The initiative outlines a structured process for model comparison research, including proposal submission, protocol publication, and data submission. Approved projects will be open to all researchers, including those from smaller institutions and developing countries. The results will be published in academic journals and made freely accessible to the public. This approach aims to build capacity in developing regions and ensure sustainable funding for global participation. The initiative is designed to evolve gradually, complementing ongoing efforts to enhance openness and transparency in climate scenario development. The authors hope this framework will inform future IPCC assessments and shape climate policies that determine the planet's trajectory in the face of climate change.
